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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Major Gifts Assistant Manager

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Major Gifts Assistant Manager

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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other protected basis.

Benefits

Staff offers for discount tickets

Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)

Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Commuter programs including pre‑tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)

Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire

11 paid holidays per year

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA

Pay Details The projected salary range for this position is $52,000 – $57,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Base pay is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description The Major Gifts Assistant Manager is a key member of the Major & Leadership Gifts team, supporting the execution of personalized fundraising and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of 100+ current and prospective major donors ($50,000+). The assistant also provides administrative support to the Manager of Leadership Gifts in stewardship of approximately 85 members of the National Committee for the Performing Arts (designated gifts to education programming $15,000+). Primary responsibilities include developing written donor communications; tracking campaign progress and preparing documentation of all contributions; maintaining accurate donor records in database; and logistical support for donor meetings, special events, committee meetings, and major galas.

Key Responsibilities

Draft personalized written materials on behalf of Development and Kennedy Center leadership (solicitations, acknowledgments, notes, briefings, newsletters, event itineraries, pledge reminders, tax receipts, etc.)

Prepare and track proper documentation for all contributions, updating necessary systems and database records to ensure correct gift processing

Accurately track fundraising progress through Tessitura database and project management tools and report regular campaign updates to Managers and Director

Assist in development of materials for Committee meetings and events, maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date membership listings and contact information for committees and boards

Track and coordinate contributions, guest details, and attendee logistics for major fundraising galas such as the Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize, including stewardship support for major event sponsorship packages and Event Chairs

Plan, prepare, and coordinate creative and personalized gifts for donors related to Kennedy Center milestones or personal donor milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, life events, etc.)

Provide excellent, proactive customer service to donors and their teams through direct contact via phone, email, mail, and in‑person

Ensure fulfillment of donor benefits and stewardship activities, including recognition and gift crediting, processing performance ticket requests and event RSVPs, and greeting donors at performances or onsite activities

Provide onsite customer service and logistical support for special events, cultivation and benefit events, committee and board meetings, galas, etc.

Oversee office resources and collateral materials

Key Qualifications

Experience in a front‑facing, customer‑service‑oriented role

Bachelor’s degree preferred

2–3 years of development/fundraising, writing, and event logistics experience

Working knowledge of the performing arts preferred

Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM tools preferred

Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area; relocation assistance is not provided

Candidate must be willing to work onsite

Additional Information

The noise level in the work environment is minimal, but attendance at major fundraising events and performances is required; the noise level is therefore very loud.

This position requires occasional evening or weekend hours at fundraising events and performances, typically with advance notice.

Travel up to 5% may be required, predominantly local to offsite fundraising events or meetings.

Seniority level Entry level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Other

Industries Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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